The small Middle Eastern nation of Qatar now has one of the world’s most strict coronavirus restrictions.
Those who go out in public without a face covering now face up to three years in prison and a fine of about $40,000. The Gulf country made the announcement on Qatar state TV this weekend.
Authorities have reportedly been stopping drivers along the country’s roads to advise them of the new restriction. Although people driving solo are not mandated to wear masks, those in a car with others must have their faces covered.
Qatar, a country of about 2.8 million people, has one of the highest per capita rates of infection in the world. More than 1% of its population has been infected, or about 34,000 people, since the coronavirus pandemic began. However, the country has recorded only 15 deaths. The per capita figure is only exceeded by San Marino and Vatican City.
Officials have said the dramatic figures could be partially attributed to increased family gatherings associated with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Nearby Kuwait, with a population of 4.1 million, has also implemented a policy requiring people to wear masks. Violators there face up to three months in prison and a fine of about $16,200.
Worldwide, around 4.8 million people have been infected with COVID-19, and at least 317,000 people have died, according to the latest count by Johns Hopkins University.
